Disclaimer: This work is for purely entertainment purposes and is not for profit. I do not own Digimon or any characters previously seen in Digimon. If anyone who does own Digimon sees this I am more than willing to help with the next season. This chapter also follows the ending of the Tamers movie Runaway Locomon. I do not own that either, but I encourage everyone to watch it. Enjoy.
Chapter Twelve: The Gloves Come Off
Adman watched from one of the trees Renamon always liked to rest in as the party went on. He didn't want to be a part of it. That was a lie. He wanted badly to be a part of it. To belong with them. To belong with anyone, but he didn't. In all likelihood he probably never would. Yet he had to try. The Tamers were vital for his future. If he couldn't be a friend he could at least count them as reinforcements should he need them. Tactics was trumping his inner humanity at the moment. He watched and waited for the girl of honor to leave the rest of her guests. Rika sat down on the edge of her porch by a small pond. He was about to make his move when he noticed Takato approaching the girl. Adman tilted his head in surprise. The girl was in a sad mood. Adman could tell. Then there was Takato. Takato was going to comfort her. Perhaps his assessment on Takato's feelings for Rika had been wrong. It didn't matter. He would be gone from their lives in a matter of days. He just had to leave her a gift and talk to one more person. Then he would be gone.
Renamon appeared from one of the rooms and pulled Takato away as he was trying to get to Rika. Apparently the Digimon thought her Tamer needed some time alone. Perfect. If Renamon was keeping Takato busy then she wasn't keeping watch. Adman didn't want to fight Renamon. Shadowmon wasn't here to boost his abilities and he wouldn't be for some time. It didn't matter. He wasn't there to fight.
Adman leapt down into the garden and approached the girl. She was in deep though and so she didn't see him coming until he was standing next to her.
He flipped a coin to the girl. "Penny for your thoughts."
Rika looked at the coin. "This is a quarter."
"It's your birthday so I figured there'd be interest."
"Funny."
"So what troubles you?"
"Well for starters you've broken into my house."
"I intend to leave after I give you my gift, but first I noticed that you're sad. Tell me what's wrong and I'll give you my gift and you'll never have to see me again."
Rika liked that deal. "I was just thinking about my dad."
"How is he?"
"That's the thing. I don't know. He divorced my mom when I was young and I haven't seen him since. I do kinda miss him."
Adman sat next to the girl, shifting his duffle bag. "I understand. It's hard not to see a loved one. I lost my folks young. I know exactly how you feel. Life isn't always fair, especially to the young."
Rika was surprised. She hadn't asked the man to open up like that and yet he had. She was also surprised that she kinda felt happy to see him. The Parasimon incident had made her happy to see familiar faces even if it was an ass like Adman.
"So what did you get me?"
Adman unzipped his duffle bag and pulled out a long object wrapped in cloth. "These are extremely rare. From the Digital world, you know."
Adman handed her the object and let her take off the cloth. Inside was a beautifully crafted samurai sword. The scabbard was hard and sturdy. She looked at the hilt of the blade. The handle was actually a carved Renamon getting ready to use the diamond storm attack. The arms were crossed and the eyes were closed. Rika unsheathed the blade. It was beautiful, and the craftsmanship was brilliant. She smirked at the bizarre gift.
Adman undid his own sword from his belt and set it alongside hers. "They are custom made. You have to find a group of DigiGnomes that specialize in metal work. Then if you can sweet talk them enough they will forge you one hell of a blade. Made from solid chrome-digizoid, the strongest metal of two worlds. That blade will never break or bend. Mine has a slightly different design to yours though."
Rika eyed Adman's blade. The blade was not samurai, but more the blade of old English knights. The cross hilt was that of a dragon with its wings spread wide acting as the actual cross hilt. The mouth fed to the blade while the tail ended in a club for a no slip grip.
Rika sheathed her sword as Adman continued, "I hope you like it. It wasn't easy to get. And although I know you typically have Renamon for defense there is never anything wrong with a little added protection. The gnomes called it the Protector sword. Said that 'it will always be there to defend its wielder'. They do love their prophecies."
Rika actually took a good look at the man for the first time. He was covered in dried-on slime. He smelt awful too.
She laughed at his appearance. "What happened to you?"
Adman brushed some of it off. "Long day's work in the killing fields."
Rika set the sword to her side. "Would you like to come in for some birthday cake?"
Adman was surprised. He had never been involved in something like that. He'd gone to birthday parties before, but normally he hosted them. He also normally knew most of the people there. Here all he knew of most of them was what he read in a file. He shook his head no and stood.
"Your offer is most generous, miss Nonaka, but I'll have to pass. This is your day. Spend it with your friends."
Rika smiled slightly. "You know it's strange to think that we've only had the Digimon for about a month now. It seems longer. Like a lifetime."
Adman strapped his own blade back to his hip. "Perhaps time slows down for you when you're happy."
Rika pushed his leg slightly at his comment. Adman wasn't sure, but he thought it was perhaps the first time any of them had come into contact with him in a friendly way.
She looked up at the man. "And ever since we got them back you've been a part of our lives. Maybe not directly, but we can see you acting behind the scenes. Beelzemon saw you fighting the same Parasimon today in the city streets. Thank you for your help."
Adman was starting to get creeped out by the girl's kindness. It was too out of place for her. Normally she'd tell him to fuck off and then send Renamon after him. Something must have happened to the girl that had thrown her off her game. Then again who was he to say what was normal. Perhaps he'd just had the misfortune of catching her on off days.
"You're welcome."
"Come have some cake. Jeri will be happy to see you and I know Beelzemon could use some cheering up. He lost his motorcycle today. Even Takato is warming up to you."
Adman nodded his head. He would go with her if she really insisted.
Adman was uneasy as he followed the girl into her home. At any time one of the partnered Digimon could recognize him as the attacker of Renamon and Guilmon and strike. While he was pretty sure he could at least repel one of the weaker ones if push came to shove a fight in the enclosed area of the house was very unappealing to him. He passed by Jeri on the way to Rika's living room.
Jeri was in a very bubbly mood. "You decided to show up after all! Did you find that certain special gift for Rika?"
Rika heard the girl and held up the powerful samurai sword.
Jeri giggled. "Well it's unconventional, but somehow it fits Rika pretty well."
Adman followed Rika into the main room where everyone was enjoying themselves. Kazu and Kenta were singing a song on a home karaoke machine. As the man in black entered the room everything went silent. Adman was afraid of this. Rika noticed his uneasiness and dragged him further into the room. "Everyone, this is Adman Hows. He's a friend of mine and the person responsible for bringing back the Digimon." Nobody said anything. Adman smiled at Rika's comment. Friend? That one simple word filled him with hope. He was a part of the group. It had been a bumpy road getting there, but Rika had been his in to the rest of the group. All things were going according to plan.
Ryo had been sitting next to his bulky black winged demon Digimon, Cyberdramon. He stood up and walked through the party to the new person in the group. For just a second the two stared at each other. These were the only two humans to ever survive over a month in the Digital world. Adman had heard stories of this brave Tamer.
Ryo held out his hand in the offer of a firm handshake. "Thank you for bringing Cyberdramon back to me."
Adman warmly clasped the boy's hand. "No problem."
The party seemed to return to life at this.
Ryo laughed, "He must have been a hassle to round up."
Adman recalled the tale, "He gave me and Shadowmon a run for our money, but after telling him I was bringing him back to you he calmed down a bit."
Kazu called over to the dark warrior, "Yeah where is this partner of yours? I hear he's almost as scary as Cyberdramon."
Adman focused on Kazu. "Well then you heard wrong. He's far scarier. Unfortunately Shadowmon was left back in the Digital world to make sure the portal stayed shut. I'll have to pick him up later, but for now it's just me."
Kenta called back, "I thought Impmon said you were fighting the Parasimon today."
Adman tapped the sword at his side. "Tooth and nail, my friend."
Kenta looked at the warrior in disbelief. "You mean you took those things on without your Digimon?"
"Well he was busy so I had to take care of business by myself. I lost count after seventeen kills though."
Most everyone was impressed by the warrior.
Terriermon chimed in, "Big deal! I got that in one volley."
Henry replied to the rabbit, "Yes, but we're a giant robotic fighting machine. He's just… Some guy. It's a little different."
Kazu called over to the boy in black, "Hey thanks for bringing back Guardromon too."
The group shouted out a unified thank you. Ai and Mako even came up and hugged Adman's legs.
Kazu walked over to Adman with his stack of cards. "Hey there's only really one way to get to know somebody. Get your Digimon cards out and let's throw down."
Adman tapped the slim card box at his side. "I only have a few modify cards on me for emergencies. I haven't card battled another person in years. However when Shadowmon gets here I'm sure he'll be glad to throw down against Guardromon in some friendly competition. Or he and I could go a few rounds. I'm sure I could handle him."
Impmon called over arrogantly, "Yeah listen to you. You think you're some hot stuff. I tell you I'd put you in your place."
Adman turned to the little imp in a competitive mood. "Is that so? You're a foot tall, you mouthy little pipsqueak. I'm bigger than you, I'm stronger than you, and I'll trump you at anything, anytime, any day of the week."
Impmon changed into his mega form in a flash of light. "Is that a challenge? Well put your money where that big mouth of yours is."
Adman looked to Rika. "I'm screwed now aren't I?"
She nodded.
Adman pulled out his wallet. "Absolutely. I not only wager all the contents of my wallet, but enough to buy you a new bike. Here's the stakes. You beat me in arm wrestling and I'll pay for a new bike."
Beelzemon laughed. "Fair enough. And if you should somehow win?"
Adman thought for a moment. "Then you admit you're just a little wimp in a buff body."
Beelzemon agreed, "Fair enough."
The two competitors were outside sitting with a box between the two. Adman popped his knuckles.
Takato was talking to Beelzemon, "Now don't hurt him too badly, Beelzemon. He may be an egomaniac, but he's still human."
Adman patted Takato's arm. "I didn't know you cared."
Beelzemon flexed. "No worries."
Adman pushed Kazu and Kenta away to get to his spot. "Takato, if you're betting against me that's ok, but I promise you'll be losing your money."
The two contenders placed their elbows on the box and clasped hands. Beelzemon's claws rested on the back of Adman's right hand.
Ryo was acting as referee. "Now I want a clean arm wrestle. Don't kill each other over this. Go!"
Beelzemon gave a mighty heave and nearly ended it right there. Adman's fist was only inches from the edge of the box. The black gloved fist shook with exertion and Adman's right arm was getting large and bulky as the muscle expanded under the new strain. The leather sleeve of the jacket grew tight around his bulging bicep. Nobody at the table except Adman could believe what they saw. This young human was pushing Beelzemon's hand back to neutral.
Beelzemon chuckled, "You're tough fer a human. Maybe I need to put a little more power in it."
Beelzemon pushed harder and Adman's arm tilted further back. Adman Hows was holding his own against a mega level Digimon. Adman growled and pushed harder. Beelzemon went back to neutral and then slightly into the losing side.
Kazu came running into the house. "Adman and Beelzemon are throwing down an awesome arm wrestling match!"
Rika looked over at the boy. "You mean Beelzemon didn't beat him outright?"
"No! In fact right now your horse is winning!"
Rika scowled, 'My horse? I'm not betting on this.'
Rika and Jeri came out to watch the fight. Beelzemon's arm shook as did Adman's. The strain was putting intense stress on both of them.
Adman's jacket was beginning to split under the expansion. Beelzemon's nails bit deep into Adman's hand drawing that strange black blood. Adman's fingers tore through his gloves and dark black nails bit into Beelzemon's hand as well.
Beelzemon smirked. "Ya got quite a fer a human. I might need to go to fifty percent power".
Rika was watching the fight with subdued excitement.
Jeri was next to her cheering, "Go, Adman, go!"
Ai and Mako were there cheering on their Digimon. Nobody expected the match to be this close. A bead of sweat went down into Beelzemon's eye as he started to win again.
Rika saw that Beelzemon was holding back. The fact that Adman even had a chance was unbelievable.
Rika tossed her calm support behind the underdog. "Kick his butt, Adman."
Both Ryo and Takato turned to look at the duo of cheering ladies. Jeri wasn't a surprise, but Rika rarely supported anyone. The spirit of the man was admirable though. Adman's fist was leaking blood down onto the box as Beelzemon's nails bit deep in an attempt to gain grip.
Adman tilted his head towards the girls and then back to Beelzemon. "Ladies. You gotta love um."
With that Adman's entire arm surged with power.
Beelzemon replied, "Fifty percent it is then."
Adman's arm was being pushed back despite his efforts.
Adman cursed under the thought of losing, "fuuuuuuu…."
The box they had been using suddenly shattered under the strain. Beelzemon got up angrily. He'd been denied victory.
Adman patted the demon Digimon on the shoulder. "Hey no worries. I'll still buy you the bike."
Rika pulled on Adman's bulging right arm and quietly alerted him to what everyone else had already noticed, "Your hand."
Adman realized that his glove had completely shredded. Black blood flowed freely down fierce black claws. He concealed it in his jacket. "Excuse me. Do you have a bathroom I can use?"
Adman let the cold water of the tap run into his wounds and clean them. The black blood flowed from his hand through the rips in the leather. His fingers dangled from the now destroyed glove. Each finger was shaped into a point, a type of claw. The fingers were black and withered, but somehow longer than the ones on his left hand. There was a knock on the bathroom door. He opened it with his left hand; allowing Rika to enter.
"Did you bring it?"
Rika handed him the same bottle of concentrated data he had given to Renamon. He pulled the cork with his teeth and poured the liquid down onto his hand. The holes where Beelzemon's nails had dug in disappeared.
Adman flexed his hand. "Good as new. It's purely a superficial heal, but until I can get home to my medical bag that's the best I can do."
Rika watched the black withered hand move. "So you aren't human?"
Adman looked at the hand thoughtfully. "You know there are days I wonder that myself. I was born human, but I'm not what I once was. I'm sure you've noticed by now that Shadowmon isn't your normal Digimon. In fact if you pointed your Digivice at him you wouldn't get any data on him. That's because there is no Shadowmon in the encyclopedia of Digimon. I was originally partnered with a Renamon, just like you. I made Shadowmon, and in a way he made me."
Rika watched the man tare off his long black glove revealing a black warped arm. In a few minutes Adman Hows had changed from bizarre character to full-on sideshow freak. It was hard to look away from such things.
He continued, "My blood flows through him. It keeps the unnatural form stable. It gave him his stellar personality too. Unfortunately the operation had consequences. Data backed up from his body into my arm. It corrupted me and warped my arm into what you see today. It nearly killed me, but it made me stronger too. So to answer your question: no. I am no longer one hundred percent human, but I use every day trying to reclaim bits and pieces of my lost humanity."
He pulled off his other glove. That one was just a hand glove, but made to match the other one. His left hand was very much human.
Rika asked, "Do you mind if I touch it?"
Adman extended the hand delicately to the girl. "Any time."
She examined the strong black palm. His arm almost appeared burnt.
"How far up does this go?"
Adman took his jacket off to show her. "All the way to the shoulder. Frankly I don't know why it stopped there. It's not all bad though. It gave me great strength and speed."
Rika followed the cracked lines of the arm all the way to his shoulder with her hand. She was mesmerized by this strange hybrid. She had herself become a Digimon, but this was something new. The arm looked deadly, and somehow contagious. "I'm …sorry."
Adman slipped his jacket on. "It's not your fault. Anyway, there's no hiding it now. I should be going. I don't want to disrupt your party any more than I already have. It was fun though."
Rika gripped the ruined arm until Adman turned to look to her.
Rika released it and folded her arms across her chest haughtily. "I'm not going to beg you to stay. If you want to go, then go. Nobody's kicking you out though. Jeri wants you to stay and I know Kazu wants to hear more about your arm. They won't judge you for it. They're good people."
Adman patted her on the shoulder with his human hand. He was surprised she had touched his dark hand. Nobody ever wanted to touch those wicked claws. The idea of having people welcoming him in was too much for Adman to refuse. After all it had been what he had wanted, but he hadn't expected it to play out as it had. "If you insist."
